Clinton nod grounded in loyalty

Like so many of President Bill Clinton’s endorsements, Tuesday’s surprise email supporting Democratic challenger Andrew Romanoff in the Colorado Senate primary is rooted in loyalty.

In his note to Romanoff supporters, Clinton cites a relationship with the former state House Speaker that goes back almost two decades, dating back to when Romanoff was student at Harvard University in 1992. Romanoff also notably backed Hillary Rodham Clinton in her 2008 president campaign.

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"He worked harder than anyone in Colorado to put Democrats in positions of power — and to use that power to benefit every single citizen,” wrote Clinton. “Andrew led the effort to win a majority in the Colorado House of Representatives for the first time in 30 years, and to keep that majority for the first time in more than 40 years."

The ties were enough to persuade Clinton to buck the White House and national Democratic Party officials, who are backing appointed Sen. Michael Bennet in the August 10 primary.

“From my understanding, what the Clinton people have put out to the network, is that this is a wave and a nod to acknowledge Speaker Romanoff’s support for Hillary in the presidential race,” said Mike Stratton, a Denver-based Democratic political consultant and longtime Clinton supporter.

While Romanoff was an active Hillary supporter, Bennet was an early Obama backer. According to Federal Election Commission reports, Bennet contributed the maximum amount possible to Obama early in the presidential campaign—in March 2007, when the president was still a decided underdog in the Democratic primary.

Clinton’s work for Romanoff will be minimal. According to a Clinton aide, the former President has only agreed to write this one fundraising e-mail for Romanoff—a note that never mentions Bennet, the incumbent, by name. The aide also said Clinton has not agreed to any other events or fundraisers for Romanoff.

“I don’t think this is going to change anything in terms of the dynamic in the primary. It’s clear to most people that Sen. Bennet has a strong lead amongst most primary voters,” said Stratton, who is a Bennet supporter. “I’d expect to join President Clinton campaigning for Michel Bennet in the fall.”

Bennet spokesman Trevor Kincaid alluded to Clinton’s allegiance to Romanoff in his statement about the former President’s endorsement.

"The Clintons are known for their loyalty, so this doesn't come as a huge surprise,” said Bennet spokesman Trevor Kincaid. “Michael certainly doesn't begrudge President Clinton the chance to thank a long time friend."

Clinton’s endorsement, however, has proven to be something more than a token in recent elections. He was credited with assisting Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) in her primary against a former Clinton administration official, Lt. Gov. Bill Halter. And Clinton’s campaign events for Rep. Mark Critz (D-Pa.) in a May 18 special election were viewed as helpful in pushing the former congressional aide across the finish line.

Pat Waak, chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, said she wasn’t surprised by the endorsement but that it was unclear whether Clinton’s backing would change the dynamic in the race.

“There’s a longtime association there. There will be people who feel strongly about it, but then again this is a state that went for Barack Obama in the primary,” Waak said.

“I do think there’s a tiny bit of irony about them complaining about outsiders endorsing people,” she added.